As Explore enters its fifth year, a new cohort of leaders begins a statewide journey rooted in listening, connection, and community learning. Meet Explore Class 5 and the communities shaping their experience. Learn more about the newest cohort of leaders and this year’s program.
Leslie Motter and Terry Goddard have been named the 76th Arizona Leaders of the Year, formerly known as Man & Woman of the Year. Honored for their dedication to tackling Arizona’s most pressing challenges, deep record of community engagement, and embodiment of Valley Leadership’s Principles of Doing, Motter and Goddard exemplify the spirit of servant leadership driving positive change across the state.
Meet Kate, Valley Leadership’s new Director, Business Engagement & Wellbeing. A Phoenix native with 15+ years in HR leadership, she’s passionate about helping Arizona employers create stigma-free workplaces through the OUD Business Toolkit. Read our interview to learn more about her background and vision for this work.
We are very excited to welcome Stephen Flaaen to the VL team as our new Director, Tech-Based Initiatives. A longtime Impact Maker volunteer, VL alum, and our 2025 Impact Maker of the Year, Stephen brings a deep commitment to service and systems-level change across Arizona.
12 Arizonans have been selected to be part of the fourth class who will travel over 1,850 miles together including to one new community. OneAZ Credit Union has also awarded a three-year grant to support the Explore program. Read more about the exciting updates for Explore Class 4.
Juanita “Nita” Francis, Vince Roig, and Calvin Goode will be Valley Leadership’s 75th Arizona Leaders of the Year, formally known as Man & Woman of the Year. The three were selected because of their commitment to addressing Arizona’s most pressing issues, track record of community engagement, and alignment with Valley Leadership’s Principles of Doing.
Valley Leadership is excited to welcome Natalie Morrow to the VL team! She brings with her a passion for urban planning and love for Arizona. Learn more about her in our latest blog post!
Thirteen Arizonans from the Valley Leadership alumni have been chosen for the third Explore program class. They will travel 1,700 miles to six communities across Arizona, engaging with 90 partners to understand diverse local issues. The program, running March to June and visits six different rural, urban, suburban, border and Native communities.
Angela Hughey and Brian Spicker will be Valley Leadership’s 74th Man & Woman of the Year. The two were selected because of their commitment to addressing Arizona’s most pressing issues, track record of community engagement and alignment with Valley Leadership’s Principles of Doing.
We’re excited to announce that Koran Hardimon has been elected as Board Chair, Josh Shade as Vice Chair and Ginger Sykes-Torres as Secretary! Meet our newest board leadership members.
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